Use of a feed composition for reducing methane emission in ruminants, and/or to improve ruminant performance

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to the field of reduction of methane emission in ruminants. Particularly, it relates to the use of a feed composition or a feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, for reducing the production of methane emanating from the digestive activities of ruminants, and/or to improve the ruminant performance.

The present invention relates to the field of reduction of methane emission in ruminants. Particularly, it relates to the use of a feed composition or a feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, for reducing the production of methane emanating from the digestive activities of ruminants, and/or to improve the ruminant performance.

The present invention further relates to animal feed or animal feed compositions and feed additives comprising the above-mentioned molecules. The term feed or feed composition means any compound, preparation, mixture, or composition suitable for, or intended for intake by an animal.

In the present context, a ruminant is a mammal of the order Artiodactyla that digests plant-based food by initially softening it within the animal's first stomach, known as the rumen, then regurgitating the semi-digested mass, now known as cud, and chewing it again. The process of again chewing the cud to further break down plant matter and stimulate digestion is called “ruminating”.

Rumen fermentation brings some disadvantages. Methane is produced as a natural consequence of the anaerobic fermentation, which represents an energy loss to the host animal. Carbohydrate makes up 70 to 80% of the dry matter in a typical dairy cattle ration and in spite of this the absorption of carbohydrates from the gastro-intestinal tract is normally very limited. The reason for this is the extensive fermentation of carbohydrates in the rumen resulting in production of acetate, propionate and butyrate as the main products. These products are part of the so called volatile fatty acids, (VFAs).

Besides the energy loss, methane is also a greenhouse gas, which is many times more potent than CO₂. Its concentration in the atmosphere has doubled over the last century and continues to increase alarmingly. Ruminants are the major contributors to the biogenic methane formation, and it has been estimated that the prevention of methane formation from ruminants would almost stabilize atmospheric methane concentrations.

Furthermore, the assessment of the Kyoto protocol followed by the Copenhagen climate summit in 2009 places increased priority in decreasing methane emissions as part of a multi-gas strategy.

Antibiotics and more particularly ionophores have been shown to slightly reduce methane production in ruminants (Guan et al. 2006. Journal of Animal Science; 84: 1896-1906). However, the effect of antibiotics on the formation of methane has some disadvantages because of rapid adaptation of the microflora and/or resistance development leading to a complete loss of the intended effect within a short period of time (2 to 3 weeks), and because the use of antibiotics is banned in Europe for non-therapeutic use.

Non-antibiotic products (bile acid derivatives) leading to reduction of methane emission, when tested using an in vitro rumen simulation model, have recently been published (WO 2010/072584). However, the amount required to produce a moderate reduction of methane emission are not compatible with the ruminant feed industry cost constraints.

Furthermore, a number of natural plant extracts (Garlic: WO 2009/150264, yucca, cinnamon, rhubarb) have been described in the scientific literature as potent solutions to reduce methane emission in ruminants based on in vitro experiments. However, none of these solutions made it to a commercial product because of side effects (residues in milk), or because of the very large amount of additive which needs to be supplied to the animal to generate a significant methane reduction.

Under these circumstances there is still a need to develop new solutions to significantly reduce the formation of methane produced by ruminants. In addition to reducing methane emission, such compositions should favourably also contribute to improve ruminant performance by decreasing the acetate/propionate ratio.

The present inventors now surprisingly found that the composition specified herein after, have a great potential for use in animal feed in order to essentially reduce the formation of methane without affecting microbial fermentation in a way that would be detrimental to the host animal. Moreover, the compositions of the present invention also have a great benefit regarding overall animal performance as measured by ruminal acetate/propionate ratio. Said compositions are also more stable than those described in the prior art, safer for the animal and human, and they are active at very low concentration in the rumen.

Therefore, the present invention provides the use of a feed composition or feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or a salt thereof as defined by formula (I) for reducing the formation of methane emanating from the digestive activities of ruminants and/or for improving ruminant performance.

The invention further provides a method for reducing the production of methane emanating from the digestive activities of ruminants and/or for improving ruminant animal performance, comprising orally administering to the animal a sufficient amount of a feed composition or feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms, and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or a salt thereof as defined by formula (I) to the animal. It is to be understood by oral administration, a simple feeding, or manual administration of a bolus.

In all embodiments of the present invention, organic molecules substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or salts thereof are defined by the following formula (I):

wherein Y is an organic molecule of the following composition: C_(a)H_(b)O_(d)N_(e)S_(g),

wherein

a is comprised between 1 and 25, preferably between 1 and 10

b is comprised between 2 and 51, preferably between 2 and 21

d is comprised between 0 and 8, preferably between 0 and 6

e is comprised between 0 and 5, preferably between 0 and 3

g is comprised between 0 and 3, preferably between 0 and 1.

More preferably, in all embodiments of the present invention, the organic molecule of formula (I) is of the following composition C_(a)H_(b)O_(d)N_(e)S_(g), wherein

a is comprised between 1 and 10

b is comprised between 2 and 21

d is comprised between 0 and 6

e is comprised between 0 and 3

g is comprised between 0 and 1,

In another embodiment, preferred compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention are compounds, wherein b is comprised between 3 and 51, preferably, b is comprised between 3 and 21.

In another embodiment, preferred compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention are compounds of formula (II),

wherein

-   n is comprised between 0 and 12, preferably comprised between 0 and     6 and, wherein, if n≠0, the carbon chain is a linear, a cyclic, or     branched aliphatic carbon chain which may be non-substituted or     substituted with up to 3 hydroxyl-, alkoxy-, amino-, alkylamino-,     dialkylamino- or nitrooxy groups, or an alkenyl, or an alkynyl     carbon chain mono- or polyunsaturated and in any isomeric form, -   R4 is independently, hydrogen or a saturated straight, cyclic or     branched chain of an alkyl or alkenyl group containing 1 to 12,     preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, -   X is hydrogen, R5, R5≡N, —OR5, —OCOR5, —NR5R6, —ONO2, —COOR5,     —CONR5R6, —NHSO2R5, or —SO2NHR5, -   R5 and R6 are independently, hydrogen, C1-C12 straight, branched or     cyclic alkyl chain, non-substituted or substituted with up to 3     hydroxyl-, alkoxy-, amino-, alkylamino-, dialkylamino- or nitrooxy     groups, alkenyl, or alkynyl carbon chain which may be mono or     polyunsaturated, and in any isomeric form.

For all embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that compounds of formula (I) and compounds of formula (II) can be in any isomeric form.

It is to be understood in the above definition of compounds of formula (II) that when n>2, the carbon chain can be linear or branched at any position along the carbon chain. In addition, the carbon chain can be branched by multiple branches at different positions along the carbon chain. Moreover, when n>3, the aliphatic carbon chain may form a cyclic moiety. This cyclic moiety can carry the nitrooxy moiety at any position (2, 3, 4), and it can also be branched at multiple positions by any aliphatic groups. The branched aliphatic groups are preferably, methyl, ethyl or propyl. Moreover, the carbon chain may be further substituted with up to 3 hydroxyl-, alkoxy-, amino-, alkylamino-, dialkylamino- or nitrooxy groups.

In the above definition of derivatives of the formula (II) a preferred alkyl group is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, sec. butyl, isobutyl, pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, cyclohexyl, and 2-ethyl-hexyl and octyl. Furthermore, any alkyl or alkenyl group containing three or more carbon atoms can be straight chain, branched, or cyclic. In addition for the straight chain or branched C₂-C₁₀-alkenylene group, this is understood to encompass alkenylene groups with one or (from C₄) more double bonds; examples of such alkenylene groups are those of the formulae —CH═CH—, —CH═CH—CH₂—, —CH═CH—(CH₂)₃— and —(CH═CH)₂—.

In another embodiment, more preferred compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention are selected from the list of compounds, and salts thereof as listed with their chemical formula in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Preferred compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention Comp. Identifier Molecular structure Chemical name  1

3-Nitrooxypropanol  2

rac-4-Phenylbutane-1,2- diyl dinitrate  3

2-(Hydroxymethyl)-2- (nitrooxymethyl)-1,3- propanediol  4

N-Ethyl-3-nitro-oxy- propionic sulfonyl amide  5

5-Nitrooxy-pentanenitrile  6

5-Nitrooxy-pentane  7

3-Nitro-oxy-propyl propionate  8

1,3-bis-Nitrooxypropane  9

1,4-bis-Nitrooxybutane 10

1,5-bis-Nitrooxypentane 11

3-Nitro-oxy-propyl benzoate 12

3-Nitro-oxy-propyl hexanoate 13

3-Nitro-oxy-propyl 5-nitro- oxy-hexanoate 14

Benzylnitrate 15

isosorbid-dinitrate 16

N-[2-(Nitrooxy)ethyl]-3- pyridinecarboxamide 17

3-nitrooxy propionic acid 18

methyl-3-nitrooxy propionate 19

Ethyl-3-nitrooxy propionate 20

Ethyl-4-nitrooxy butanoate 21

Ethyl-3-nitrooxy butanoate 22

5-nitrooxy pentanoic acid 23

Ethyl-5-nitrooxy pentanoate 24

6-nitrooxy hexanoic acid 25

Ethyl-6-nitrooxy hexanoate 26

ethyl-4-nitrooxy- cyclohexylcarboxylate 27

8-nitrooxy octanoic acid 28

Ethyl-8-nitrooxy octanoate 29

11-nitrooxy undecanoic acid 30

Ethyl-11-nitrooxy undecanoate 31

5-nitrooxy-pentanoic amide 32

5-nitrooxy-N-methyl- pentanoic amide

In another embodiment, even more preferred compounds of formula (I) are selected from the list of compounds, and salts thereof comprising 3-nitrooxypropanol, ethyl-3-nitrooxy propionate, methyl-3-nitrooxy propionate, and 3-nitrooxy propionic acid. Most preferred in all embodiments of the present invention is the use of 3-nitrooxypropanol.

The compounds of formula (I) of the present invention also comprise salts of the nitrooxy organic molecule. Preferred cations for salt preparation may be selected from the group consisting of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), lithium (Li+), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), barium (Ba2+), strontium (Sr2+), and ammonium (NH4+). Salts may also be prepared from an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal.

The compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention can be manufactured in principle according to synthetic methods known per se for nitrooxy organic molecules, and/or based on methods as described in PCT/EP2010/069338, and in the European patent application No. 10 195 857.7.

The term fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms as used herein refers to saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acids of at least 5 carbon atoms, such as preferably to saturated or unsaturated monocarboxylic acids of 5 carbon atoms to 28 carbon atoms, more preferably of 7 carbon atoms to 21 carbon atoms, most preferably of 9 carbon atoms to 16 carbon atoms. Examples of such fatty acid include, but are not limited to, lauric acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, myrisoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acids. In all embodiments of the present invention, the fatty acid is preferably a saturated monocarboxylic acid having the general formula C_(n)H_(2n+1)COOH, wherein n is an integer selected in the range of 4 to 27, preferably in the range of 6 to 20, more preferably in the range of 8 to 15, most preferably in the range of 9 to 13. Most preferred in all embodiments of the present invention is the use lauric acid, most preferably as sole fatty acid (i.e. in the absence of further fatty acids).

The fatty acids may be used as such or in the form of a suitable salt thereof. Preferred cations for salt preparation may be selected from the group consisting of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), lithium (Li+), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), barium (Ba2+), strontium (Sr2+), and ammonium (NH4+) such as in particular the respective alkaline or alkaline earth salt. Most preferably the respective sodium potassium or calcium salts.

Methane emission by ruminants can easily be measured in individual animals in metabolic chambers by methods known in the art (Grainger et al., 2007 J. Dairy Science; 90: 2755-2766). Moreover, it can also be assessed at barn level by an emerging technology using laser beam (McGinn et al., 2009, Journal of Environmental Quality; 38: 1796-1802). Alternatively, methane produced by a dairy ruminant can also be assessed by measurement of fatty acid profiles in milk according to WO 2009/156453.

Ruminant performance can be assessed by methods well known in the art, and is often illustrated by the acetate proprionate ratio (mol ratio).

The present invention also relates to the use of a feed composition or feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms, and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or a salt thereof as defined by formula (I) in combination with at least one additional active substance which shows similar effects with regard to methane formation in the rumen and which is selected from the group consisting of diallyl disulfide, garlic oil, allyl isothiocyanate, deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and derivatives thereof.

Further components that could be given together with the compound according to the present invention are for example yeasts, oregano extracts, and essential oils e.g. thymol, 3-methylphenol, vanillin, guaiacol and eugenol.

It is at present contemplated that diallyl disulfide, garlic oil, allyl isothiocyanate deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and derivatives thereof are independently administered in dosage ranges of for example 0.01-500 mg active substance per kg feed (ppm). These compounds are either commercially available or can easily be prepared by a skilled person using processes and methods well-known in the prior art.

Ruminating mammals according to the present invention include cattle, goats, sheep, giraffes, American Bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, antelope, pronghorn, and nilgai.

For all embodiments of the present invention, domestic cattle, sheep and goat are the more preferred species. For the present purposes most preferred species are domestic cattle. The term includes all races of domestic cattle, and all production kinds of cattle, in particular dairy cows and beef cattle.

The present invention also relates to the use of a feed composition or feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms, and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or a salt thereof as defined by formula (I), wherein the methane production in ruminants is reduced by at least 10% when measured in metabolic chambers and based on the treatment with the at least one organic molecule substituted at any position. Preferably, the methane reduction is at least 15%, more preferably, at least 20%, even more preferably, at least 25%, most preferably, at least 30%. Alternative methane emission measurements may also be used like using a laser beam or for dairy ruminants, correlating methane production to the VFA profile in milk.

The present invention also relates to the use of a feed composition or feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms, and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or a salt thereof as defined by formula (I), wherein the volatile fatty acid ratio of acetate to propionate is reduced by at least 10% based on the treatment with the at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group. Preferably, volatile fatty acid ratio is reduced by at least 15%, more preferably, by at least 20%.

The present invention also relates to the use of a feed composition or feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms, and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or a salt thereof as defined by formula (I), wherein the amount of the organic molecule as defined in formula (I) administered to the ruminant animal is from 1 mg to 10 g per Kg of feed, preferably from 10 mg to 1 g per Kg of feed, more preferably, from 50 mg to 500 mg per Kg of feed, and the amount of the at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms administered to the ruminant animal is from 0.1 to 20 g per Kg of feed, preferably from 1 to 15 g per Kg of feed, most preferably from 1 to 10 g per Kg of feed. For the use in animal feed, however, organic molecules substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or their salts thereof as defined by formula (I) need not be that pure; it may e.g. include other compounds and derivatives.

The present invention further relates to the use of a feed composition or feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms, and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or a salt thereof as defined by formula (I), wherein the mol ratio of the organic molecule as defined in formula (I) to the at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms in the feed composition or feed additive is comprised between 0.00001 and 1, preferably between 0.0001 and 0.5, more preferably between 0.0025 and 0.1, most preferably in the range of 0.004 to 0.05. Further preferred ranges encompass 0.003 to 0.05 or 0.004 to 0.01.

Ruminant feed or feed additives may be prepared by methods known per se in the art of feed formulation and processing.

Further aspects of the present invention are therefore formulations, i.e. feed additives and animal feed compositions containing compositions as herein above defined.

The present invention therefore also relates to a feed composition or a feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms and at least a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is a mineral premix, a vitamin premix including vitamins and minerals or a bolus.

The normal daily dosage of a composition according to the invention provided to an animal by feed intake depends upon the kind of animal and its condition. Normally this dosage should be in the range of from about 1 mg to about 100 g, preferably from about 1 g to about 50 g, more preferably, 5 g to 10 g compound per kg of feed.

The composition comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or a salt thereof as defined by formula (I) may be used in combination with conventional ingredients present in an animal feed composition (diet) such as calcium carbonates, electrolytes such as ammonium chloride, proteins such as soya bean meal, wheat, starch, sunflower meal, corn, meat and bone meal, amino acids, animal fat, vitamins and trace minerals.

Particular examples of compositions of the invention are the following:

-   -   An animal feed additive comprising (a) at least one compound         selected from table 1 and (b) at least one fatty acid containing         at least 5 carbon atoms, (c) at least one fat-soluble         vitamin, (d) at least one water-soluble vitamin, (e) at least         one trace mineral, and/or (f) at least one macro mineral;     -   An animal feed composition comprising at least one fatty acid         containing at least 5 carbon atoms and at least one compound         selected from table 1 and a crude protein content of 50 to 800         g/kg feed.

The so-called premixes are examples of animal feed additives of the invention. A premix designates a preferably uniform mixture of one or more micro-ingredients with diluents and/or carrier. Premixes are used to facilitate uniform dispersion of micro-ingredients in a larger mix.

Apart from the active ingredients of the invention, the premix of the invention contains at least one fat-soluble vitamin, and/or at least one water soluble vitamin, and/or at least one trace mineral, and/or at least one macro mineral. In other words, the premix of the invention comprises the at least one compound according to the invention together with at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, trace minerals, and macro minerals.

Macro minerals may be separately added to the feed. Therefore, in a particular embodiment, the premix comprises the active ingredients of the invention together with at least one additional component selected from the group consisting of fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, and trace-minerals.

The following are non-exclusive lists of examples of these components:

-   -   Examples of fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A, vitamin D3,         vitamin E, and vitamin K, e.g. vitamin K3.     -   Examples of water-soluble vitamins are vitamin B12, biotin and         choline, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, niacin, folic acid         and panthothenate, e.g. Ca-D-panthothenate.     -   Examples of trace minerals are manganese, zinc, iron, copper,         iodine, selenium, and cobalt.     -   Examples of macro minerals are calcium, phosphorus and sodium.

As regards feed compositions for ruminants such as cows, as well as ingredients thereof, the ruminant diet is usually composed of an easily degradable fraction (named concentrate) and a fiber-rich less readily degradable fraction (named hay, forage, or roughage).

Hay is made of dried grass, legume or whole cereals. Grasses include among others timothy, ryegrasses, fescues. Legumes include among others clover, lucerne or alfalfa, peas, beans and vetches. Whole cereals include among others barley, maize (corn), oat, sorghum. Other forage crops include sugarcane, kales, rapes, and cabbages. Also root crops such as turnips, swedes, mangles, fodder beet, and sugar beet (including sugar beet pulp and beet molasses) are used to feed ruminants. Still further crops are tubers such as potatoes, cassava and sweet potato. Silage is an ensiled version of the fiber-rich fraction (e.g. from grasses, legumes or whole cereals) whereby material with a high water content is treated with a controlled anaerobic fermentation process (naturally-fermented or additive treated).

Concentrate is largely made up of cereals (such as barley including brewers grain and distillers grain, maize, wheat, sorghum), but also often contain protein-rich feed ingredients such as soybean, rapeseed, palm kernel, cotton seed and sunflower.

Cows may also be fed total mixed rations (TMR), where all the dietary components, e.g. forage, silage and concentrate, are mixed before serving.

As mentioned above a premix is an example of a feed additive which may comprise the active compounds according to the invention. It is understood that the compounds may be administered to the animal in different other forms. For example, the compounds can also be included in a bolus that would be placed in the rumen and that would release a defined amount of the active compounds continuously in well defined dosages over a specific period of time.

The present invention further relates to a method for reducing the production of methane emanating from the digestive activities of ruminants and/or for improving ruminant animal performance, comprising orally administering a sufficient amount of a feed composition or feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms, and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or a salt thereof as defined by formula (I) with the preferred embodiments described above.

Moreover, the invention further relates to a method as described above, wherein the feed composition or feed additive according to the present invention is administered to the animal in combination with at least one additional active substance selected from the group consisting of diallyl disulfide, garlic oil, allyl isothiocyanate, deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and derivatives thereof.

The invention also relates to a method as described above, wherein the ruminant animal is selected from the group consisting of: cattle, goats, sheep, giraffes, American Bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, antelope, pronghorn, and nilgai, and more preferably from the group consisting of: cattle, goats and sheep.

The invention also relates to a method as described above, wherein the amount of the at least one organic molecule as defined in formula (I) administered to the ruminant animal is from about 1 mg to about 10 g per kg feed, preferably from about 10 mg to about 1 g, more preferably from 50 mg to 500 mg compound per kg of feed, and the amount of the at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms administered to the ruminant animal is from 0.1 to 52 g per Kg of feed, preferably from 1 to 15 g per Kg of feed, most preferably from 1 to 10 g per Kg of feed.

The invention also relates to a method as described above, wherein the methane production in ruminants is reduced by at least 10% when measured in metabolic chambers and based on the treatment with the at least one organic molecule substituted at any position. Preferably, the methane reduction is at least 15%, more preferably, at least 20%, even more preferably, at least 25%, most preferably, at least 30%. Alternative methane emission measurements may also be used like using a laser beam or for dairy ruminants, correlating methane production to the VFA profile in milk.

The invention also relates to a method as described above, wherein the volatile fatty acid ratio of acetate to propionate (mol ratio) is reduced by at least 10% based on the treatment with the at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group. Preferably, volatile fatty acid ratio is reduced by at least 15%, more preferably, by at least 20%.

The invention also relates to a method as described above, wherein the mol ratio of organic molecule as defined in formula (I) to at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms in the feed composition or feed additive is comprised between 0.00001 and 1, preferably between 0.0001 and 0.5, more preferably between 0.0025 and 0.1, most preferably in the range of 0.004 to 0.01. Further preferred ranges encompass 0.003 to 0.05 or 0.004 to 0.01.

In a particular embodiment the present invention relates to the use of a mixture of 3-nitrooxypropanol and lauric acid to reduce the methane formation in ruminants and/or to decrease the acetate/propionate ratio (mol-ratio) in ruminants. In a preferred embodiment, the mole-ratio of 3-nitrooxypropanol to lauric acid in the mixture is selected in the range of 0.00001 to 1, preferably in the range of 0.0001 to 0.5, more preferably in the range of 0.0025 to 0.1, most preferably in the range of 0.004 to 0.01. Further preferred ranges encompass 0.003 to 0.05 or 0.004 to 0.01. In a further preferred embodiment, the methane reduction is at least 15%, more preferably, at least 20%, even more preferably, at least 25%, most preferably, at least 30% based on the administration of 3-nitrooxypropanol alone (measured in metabolic chambers) and/or the decrease in the acetate propionate ratio is at least 3%, more preferably at least 4% based on the administration of 3-nitrooxypropanol alone.

In another embodiment the invention relates to a reduction of the methane formation and/or decrease in the acetate/propionate ratio (mol-ratio) in ruminants said method encompassing the step of administering to a ruminant a mixture of 3-nitrooxypropnaol and lauric acid. In a preferred embodiment, the mole-ratio of 3-nitrooxypropanol to lauric acid in the mixture is selected in the range of 0.00001 to 1, preferably in the range of 0.0001 to 0.5, more preferably in the range of 0.0025 to 0.1, most preferably in the range of 0.004 to 0.01. Further preferred ranges encompass 0.003 to 0.05 or 0.004 to 0.01. In a further preferred embodiment, the methane reduction is at least reduction is at least 15%, more preferably, at least 20%, even more preferably, at least 25%, most preferably, at least 30% based on the administration of 3-nitrooxypropanol alone (measured in metabolic chambers) and/or the decrease in the acetate propionate ratio is at least 3%, more preferably at least 4% based on the administration of 3-nitrooxypropanol alone.

The present invention is further described by the following examples which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

In Vitro Test for Methane Production:

A modified version of the “Hohenheim Forage value Test (HFT)” was used for testing the effect of specific compounds on the rumen functions mimicked by this in-vitro system.

Principle:

Feed is gadded into a syringe with a composition of rumen liquor and an appropriate mixture of buffers. The solution is incubated at 39° C. After 8 hours the quantity (and composition) of gas phase produced is measured and put into a formula for conversion.

Reagents:

Mass Element Solution:

-   -   6.2 g potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH₂PO₄)     -   0.6 g magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO₄*7H₂O)     -   9 ml concentrated phosphoric acid (1 mol/l)     -   dissolved in distilled water to 1 l (pH about 1.6)

Buffer Solution:

-   -   35.0 g sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃)     -   4.0 g ammonium hydrogen carbonate ((NH₄)HCO₃)     -   dissolved in distilled water to 1 l

Trace Element Solution:

13.2 g calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl₂*2H₂O)

-   -   10.0 g manganese(II) chloride tetrahydrate (MnCl₂*4H₂O)     -   1.0 g cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate (CoCl₂*6H₂O)     -   8.0 g iron(III) chloride (FeCl₃*6H₂O)     -   dissolved in distilled water to 100 ml

Sodium Salt Solution:

-   -   100 mg sodium salt     -   dissolved in distilled water to 100 ml

Reduction Solution:

-   -   first 3 ml sodium hydroxide (c=1 mol/l), then 427.5 mg sodium         sulfide hydrate (Na₂S*H₂O) are added to 71.25 ml H₂O     -   solution must be prepared shortly before it is added to the         medium solution

Procedure:

Sample Weighing:

The feed stuff is sieved to 1 mm—usually TMR (44% concentrate, 6% hay, 37% maize silage and 13% grass silage)—and weighed exactly into 64 syringes. 4 of these syringes are the substrate controls, which display the gas production without the effect of the tested compounds. 4 other syringes are positive control, in which bromoethane sulfonate has been added to 0.1 mM. When needed, 4 syringes contain a carrier control (if the test compounds need a carrier). The remaining syringes contain the test substances, by groups of 4 syringes.

Preparation of the Medium Solution:

-   -   The components are mixed in a Woulff bottle in following order:         -   711 ml water         -   0.18 ml trace element solution         -   355.5 ml buffer solution         -   355.5 ml mass element solution     -   The completed solution is warmed up to 39° C. followed by the         addition of 1.83 ml sodium salt solution and the addition of         reduction solution at 36° C. The rumen liquor is added, when the         indicator turns colourless.

Extraction of the Rumen Liquor:

750 ml of rumen liquor are added to approximately 1,400 ml of medium solution under continued agitation and CO₂-gassing.

Filling the Syringes, Incubation and Determining Gas Volumes and VFA Values:

The diluted rumen fluid (24 ml) is added to the glass syringe. The syringes are then incubated for 8 hours at 39° C. under gentle agitation. After 8 hours, the volume of gas produced is measured, and the percentage of methane in the gas phase is determined by gas chromatography.

Results

The food fermented was artificial TMR (44% concentrate, 6% hay, 37% maize silage and 13% grass silage). Lauric acid from Sigma Aldrich was used at a concentration of 1000 μM. 3-Nitrooxy-propanol (3-NOP) was used at two different concentrations, 2.5 μM and 5 μM.

The results are presented in the following Table 2 and 3. Clear synergistic effects were obtained for the combination of 3-NOP and Lauric acid in view of the methane reduction as well as on the acetate/propionate ratio, which translates into additional performance benefit for the animal. The results depicted below result from the average of three experiments with either Lauric acid, 3-NOP, or a combination of both. Ace.=acetate; Prop.=propionate

TABLE 2 Effect on methane production 3- Lauric Total Reduction Expected NOP acid methane vs. control reduction* Synergy° Treatment [μM] [μM] [mmol over 8 h] [%] 1 (Con- — — 0.267 — — — trol) 2 (Ref) 2.5 — 0.244 0.023 — — 3 (Ref) 5 — 0.097 0.17 — — 4 (Ref) — 1000 0.255 0.012 — — 5 (Inv) 2.5 1000 0.125 0.142 0.232 −46 6 (Inv) 5 1000 0.022 0.245 0.085 −74 *Expected reduction based on an additive effect vs. control °(Found value − expected value)/expected value * 100%

TABLE 2 Effect on volatile fatty acids (VFA) profile, i.e. acetate/propionate ratio 3- Lauric Ace./ Reduction Expected NOP acid Prop. vs. control reduction* Synergy° Treatment [μM] [μM] [Mole Ratio] [%] 1 (Control) — — 2.26 — — — 2 (Ref) 2.5 — 2.09 0.17 — — 3 (Ref) 5 — 1.63 0.63 — — 4 (Ref) — 1000 1.98 0.28 — — 5 (Inv) 2.5 1000 1.63 0.63 1.81 −9.9 6 (Inv) 5 1000 1.29 0.97 1.35 −4.4 *Expected reduction based on an additive effect vs. control °(Found value − expected value)/expected value * 100% 

1. Use of a feed composition or feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms, and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or a salt thereof as defined by formula (I),

wherein Y is an organic molecule of the following composition: C_(a)H_(b)O_(d)N_(e)S_(g), wherein a is comprised between 1 and 25, b is comprised between 2 and 51, d is comprised between 0 and 8, e is comprised between 0 and 5, g is comprised between 0 and 3, for reducing the formation of methane emanating from the digestive activities of ruminants, and/or for improving ruminant performance.
 2. The use according to claim 1, wherein a is comprised between 1 and 10, b is comprised between 2 and 21, d is comprised between 0 and 6, e is comprised between 0 and 3, g is comprised between 0 and
 1. 3. The use according to claim 1, wherein the organic molecule of formula (I) is a compound of formula (II),

wherein n is comprised between 0 and 12, preferably comprised between 0 and 6 and, wherein, if n≠0, the carbon chain is a linear, a cyclic, or branched aliphatic carbon chain which may be non substituted or substituted with up to 3 hydroxyl, alkoxy-, amino-, alkylamino-, dialkylamino- or nitrooxy groups, or an alkenyl, or alkynyl carbon chain mono- or polyunsaturated and in any isomeric form, R4 is independently, hydrogen or a saturated straight, cyclic or branched chain of an alkyl or alkenyl group containing 1 to 12, preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, X is hydrogen, R5, R5≡N, —OR5, —OCOR5, —NR5R6, —ONO2, —COOR5, —CONR5R6, —NHSO2R5, or —SO2NHR5, R5 and R6 are independently, hydrogen, C1-C12 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl chain, non substituted or substituted with up to 3 hydroxyl-, alkoxy-, amino-, alkylamino-, dialkylamino- or nitrooxy groups, alkenyl, or alkynyl carbon chain which may be mono or polyunsaturated, and in any isomeric form.
 4. The use according to claim 1, wherein the organic molecule of formula (I), or a salt thereof is selected from the group consisting of 3-nitrooxypropanol, ethyl-3-nitrooxy propionate, methyl-3-nitrooxy propionate, and 3-nitrooxy propionic acid, preferably 3-nitrooxypropanol.
 5. The use according to claim 1, wherein the fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms has the general formula C_(n)H_(2n+1)COOH, wherein n is an integer selected in the range of 4 to 27, preferably in the range of 6 to 20, more preferably in the range of 8 to 15, most preferably in the range of 9 to
 13. 6. The use according to claim 5, wherein the fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms is lauric acid.
 7. The use according to claim 1, wherein the ruminant animal is selected from the group consisting of: cattle, goats, sheep, giraffes, American Bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, antelope, pronghorn, and nilgai.
 8. The use according to claim 1, wherein the methane production in ruminants is reduced by at least 10% when measured in metabolic chambers and based on the treatment with the at least one organic molecule substituted at any position.
 9. The use according to claim 1, wherein the amount of the at least one organic molecule as defined in formula (I) administered to the ruminant animal is from 1 mg to 10 g per kg feed, and the amount of fatty acid administered to the ruminant animal is from 0.1 to 20 g per Kg of feed.
 10. The use according to claim 1, wherein the mol ratio of the organic molecule as defined in formula (I) to the at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms is comprised between 0.00001 and 1, preferably between 0.0001 and 0.5, more preferably between 0.0025 and 0.1, most preferably between 0.004 to 0.01.
 11. A feed composition or feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms and an organic molecule of formula (I) according to claim
 1. 12. The feed composition or feed additive according to claim 11 wherein the mol ratio of the organic molecule of formula (I) to the at least one fatty acid is comprised between 0.00001 and 1, preferably between 0.0001 and 0.5, more preferably between 0.0025 and 0.1, most preferably between 0.004 to 0.01.
 13. A method for reducing the production of methane emanating from the digestive activities of ruminants and/or for improving ruminant animal performance comprising orally administering to the animal a sufficient amount of a feed composition or feed additive comprising at least one fatty acid containing at least 5 carbon atoms, and at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or a salt thereof as defined by formula (I),

wherein Y is an organic molecule of the following composition: C_(a)H_(b)O_(d)N_(e)S_(g), wherein a is comprised between 1 and 25, b is comprised between 2 and 51, d is comprised between 0 and 8, e is comprised between 0 and 5, g is comprised between 0 and 3,
 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the ruminant animal is selected from the group consisting of: cattle, goats, sheep, giraffes, American Bison, European bison, yaks, water buffalo, deer, camels, alpacas, llamas, wildebeest, antelope, pronghorn, and nilgai.
 15. A method according to claim 13, wherein the compound of formula (I) is 3-nitrooxypropanol and the fatty acid is lauric acid. 